It’s been four years since FN launched Footwearnews.com, and since then the 73-year-old legacy brand has evolved from an industry trade magazine to the Internet’s authority in shoes. With an over 400 percent growth rate over the last two years, we’re now serving many more readers than ever before. So the timing is right to revamp the way we look. On the first day of spring, March 20th, we bring to you a new Footwearnews.com.
“After three years of explosive growth, the new site reflects an important next chapter in a powerful digital success story,” said Michael At...moremore, Editorial Director of FN and Brand Development Director at its parent company, Fairchild Fashion Media. “This is a brand new product that leverages FN’s authority and history by offering an intelligent curation of everything that’s important to know about the ever-changing shoe business.”
The new homepage and article pages will showcase the best content we’re producing in an accessible way, from videos to galleries to features to more multimedia experiences. Along with a more visual, digital-age approach to story-telling, readers can look forward to more business and industry news, analysis and opinion, think-pieces and much more. FN will continue to be your daily front page of all the most relevant and interesting shoe stories, just in a shiny, new display.

Love ’em or hate ’em (and some people really hate them), the dad shoe trend is in full force. Featuring a chunky profile, the ugly sneakers — as they are often described as — have found its way out of your father’s closet and on to the runways and on your favorite celebrities.
While Balenciaga’s Triple S style has become of the most popular luxury versions of the trend, retailing for nearly $1,000, other high-end brands including Gucci, Acne Studios, Adidas Yeezy Boosts, Calvin Klein and Stella McCartney have all entered the arena. But for those not looking to break the...more bank on a pair of sneakers, there are much more affordable options that will keep you on trend and in the know.
Check out the styles below that are all under $100.
1. Women’s Fila Disruptor II Premium Sneaker
Go old school with Fila’s version of the dad shoe, which puts a twist on the classic athletic style featuring a retro aesthetic.
Buy:
Fila Disruptor II
$64.99
buy it
2. Nike Air Monarch IV Cross-Training Shoes
Take the dad shoe trend literal with the Nike Air Monarchs.
Buy:
Nike Air Monarch IV
$65
buy it
3. Women’s New Balance 624
This chunky sneaker would be in the ultimate starter pack for the dad shoe trend. Simply white with the clean New Balance logo, this style won’t be too hard to pull off.
Buy:
New Balance 624
$74.99
buy it
4. Skechers D’Lites Extreme
Staying with the chunky theme, these Skechers shoes gets away from the all-white look. Plus, they are meant to be super-comfortable.
Buy:
Skechers D'Lites Extreme
$65
buy it
5. Zara Chunky Sole Sneakers
If you’re not looking to go full on dad-mode, these Zara chunky trainers give the best of both modern and retro worlds.
Buy:
Zara Sneakers
$69.90
buy it
Want more?
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Did you have an extra piece of cake for dessert? If so, forget about it. Today’s wave of Lycra-infused denim can more easily accommodate those extra pounds.
Footwear, however, can be less forgiving. So before setting out to buy your next pair of shoes, it might be time to have your foot measured.
Checking foot size shouldn’t be restricted to children whose feet can grow month to month. Like our waistlines, our foot size can change with age, the result of such factors as weight gain, pregnancy, medical conditions including diabetes and arthritis, as well as the loss of elasticity in tendo...morens and ligaments over time that can result in a lower arch and elongation of the sole.
Prior to your next purchase, stop in at your local shoe store to have your foot measured by a professional. While there are a range of online size charts you can use for measuring your own foot, they don’t compare to the precision of a trained specialist. Finding the proper size is key to foot health — and to avoiding shoes that can cause issues such as painful calluses, bunions and blisters.
Once you know your size, it’s important to remember that not every shoe in the same size and width will fit exactly alike, so ordering online can be tricky. However, if you need a narrow or wide width or extended size, a larger selection may exist from e-tailers. By ordering from an online retailer with free shipping and returns, you do have the flexibility to find an ideal fit through trial and error, at no additional cost.
Wearing shoes that fit properly will also encourage you to walk more, which can lead to better health, particularly when it comes to your heart. And with the warmer weather on the way, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and take a long walk.
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Reebok introduced the latest model from its acclaimed CrossFit-specific sneaker, the Nano 8, in January. And on its promotional tour, it granted Footwear News access to a pair of its best athletes, Katrín Davíðsdóttir and Brent Fikowski, who discussed what is required in a great shoe for the sport.
Aside from sharing the basic needs of a training sneaker, such as comfort and stability, the duo compared how the Nano 8 to past looks in the franchise, dished on their favorite Nanos and highlighted their favorite aspects of the new performance shoe.
Men’s and women’s sizes of the Reebo...morek CrossFit Nano 8 in multiple colorways are available now via reebok.com with a $130 price tag. The brand also offers customization through the website.
Another look at the Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.
The latest CrossFit-specific training sneaker is executed with a new technological innovation from the brand, dubbed Flexweave, which is a material Reebok said delivers a “balance of durability, breathability and flexibility.” Aside from featuring Flexweave, the shoe also boasts a minimal heel-to-toe drop for stability, a wide toe box and a new collar construction for comfort.
The Reebok CrossFit Nano 8 made its debut in retail on Jan. 11 via store.crossfit.com, and received a broader release on reebok.com on Jan. 18. The 2018 CrossFit Games are scheduled for Aug. 1-5 and will take place in Madison, Wisc.
Want more?
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Dominic “The Shoe Surgeon” Chambrone has worked to become one of the biggest names in the sneaker world today. And to share insights on how his career began, he took Footwear News throughout California to check out his school and studio.
In the clip above, The Shoe Surgeon detailed his beginnings of painting shoes to wear to school to bringing leathers to a shoe repair shop and gaining the confidence that he, too, can create footwear the masses would love.
The Shoe Surgeon.
But this isn’t the first time Chambrone has spoken about his rise to the top of the sneaker customizati...moreon world with FN. In December 2015, The Shoe Surgeon shared insight on his rise in the industry, and also dished on his formal and informal shoemaking training.
“I’m mostly self-taught, but I did like a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship at a shoe-repair cobbler in Windsor, Calif., for Daryl Fazio. And I took a week-long course in Oregon on shoemaking, but it wasn’t sneakers — it was more like dress shoes,” Chambrone said. “I had to convert learning dress shoes to sneakers, which is quite a big curve. I also got the chance to go to Italy and watch factories make shoes, and I also have a bootmaker mentor in California who does really well-made cowboy boots. I pieced it all together to make handmade sneakers.”
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Fall is still months away — which means that all of the shoes shown on the fall ’18 runways are well beyond reach. Thankfully, there are plenty of trends that crossed over from spring ’18 to fall ’18, giving a new meaning to the concept of see-now, buy-now. These five shoe trends from both seasons can be worn both now and later into the year.
Plastic Fantastic
Chanel’s spring ’18 runway show was a fantastical world of waterfalls and rivers, complete with waterproof, transparent PVC boots (and hats and coats), which have since become a lust-have item for spring. An...mored if Balmain’s fall 2018 collection is anything to go by, clear accessories will stick around for fall. Creative director Olivier Rousteing’s showed neon versions in over-the-knee styles and booties.
Kaia Gerber in Chanel’s clear PVC rain-ready boots at Chanel spring ’18.
Neon PVC over-the-knee boots on the runway at Balmain for fall ’18.
Haute Hoe-Down
Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller and Calvin Klein’s Raf Simons both introduced a luxe western-inspired boot for spring ’18, which trickled over to pre-fall collections, at Fendi and Coach. But Isabel Marant’s fall ’18 showing of metal toe caps and fringe have made western-inspired boots officially one of 2018’s most bankable trends.
Cap-toed, over-the-knee boots from Isabel Marant fall ’18.
Two-tone boots with subtle western accents from Givenchy spring ’18.
Getting Comfy
The comedy comfort shoe began back in 2016 with Christopher Kane who elevated the Croc with mineral embellishments and mink, but Balenciaga took it to a whole new level for spring ’18 — quite literally, with his platform versions of the style. Kane went back to the trend for fall ’18 with his collab with Z-Coil, the orthopaedic shoes that have actual springs for heels, proving that 2018 is shaping up to be a very comfy year, shoe-wise.
Elevated Crocs at Balenciaga’s spring ’18 show.
Christopher Kane’s shoe collab with Z’Coil (with bejeweled accents) for fall ’18.
The Dad Sneaker
The battle to be crowned king of the dad shoe has reached epic proportions. Balenciaga kicked it off with the Triple S, which started off for men but proved so popular that it’s now available in women’s sizing, too. For spring ’18, Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquiere seized the baton with the Archlight and for fall ’18, Balenciaga will be banking on it yet again with the Track sneaker.
Louis Vuitton’s spring ’18 Archlight sneaker.
Balenciaga’s fall ’18 Track sneaker.
Do the Polka
Richard Quinn’s fall ’18 soaring polka-dot boots had quite the audience at London Fashion Week: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Anna Winter both attended (sitting side by side). But the ladylike trend is also available now with Mother of Pearl’s whimsical spotted mules.
Oversized polka-dots at Mother of Pearl’s spring ’18.
Richard Quinn’s polka dots for fall ’18....

Bella Thorne attended the premiere of her new movie “Midnight Sun” last Thursday, and to continue the celebrations, she and her costars had an after-party at Avenue nightclub in Hollywood, Calif. As expected, the actress wowed in a standout head-turning look.
She donned a form-fitting leather tube dress with mostly silver accessories and giant platform sandals that took her outfit to an elevated level. Her pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti had a 5-inch heel with a thick sole that no one could miss.
Bella Thorne out at Avenue nightclub.
Regardless of the high heel, Thorne was still able to ...moredance the night away with Justin Bieber and her castmate Patrick Schwarzenegger. The trio were living their best lives singing and busting out their best moves on the dance floor.
The former Disney Channel star’s movie officially hits theaters on Friday, March 23, so if you want to rock her style to a showing near you, you’re in luck. A blue version of Thorne’s platform sandals are currently on sale for 50 percent off online — check them out below.
Buy:
Giuseppe Zanotti Knot Sandals
$598
buy it
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Ever walked into a department store and immediately get approached by a sales associate? If the experience has left you feeling less inclined to make a purchase, turns out you’re not alone.
According to a new survey by retail consulting firm HRC Retail Advisory, a whopping 95 percent of consumers prefer to be left alone while shopping unless they require the help of a sales associate. Polling about 2,900 people across the U.S. and Canada, the study analyzed spending habits and preferences to determine that a majority of shoppers now look to in-store technology for customer service — indi...morecating that they’re increasingly abandoning the hands-on and personalized service traditionally associated with salespeople and instead relying on friends’ and family’s opinions through social media to help in their decision-making.
Based on the survey, about 85 percent of consumers would rather check prices at scanners than interact with a sales associate for product information. Meanwhile, 76 percent said apps that provide personal recommendations are important to their shopping experience. (Other elements that make the shopping experience more enjoyable for customers, according to the survey, include the ability to reserve products online and pick them up in store as well as receive promotional and sales information directly from their smartphones.)
However, not all is lost for companies that put a greater emphasis on a helping hand; the advisory firm also reported that 52 percent of respondents agree that a sales associate who personally assists them in selecting products is crucial when they shop for technology-related items.
“As consumers begin favoring in-store technology over sales associates while they shop, retailers must adapt to shopper expectations in the store environment,” HRC president Farla Efros said. “Identifying the right technologies and pairing it with the right in-store experience for shoppers of different generations will be critical to retailers’ long-term success. Those that curate and customize the store experience and services to suit shoppers’ needs will see the benefits.”
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Iggy Azalea went all out for her latest trip to New York last night. The singer made an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” sporting a luxe head-to-toe Versace look.
She donned an allover printed black-and-gold jumpsuit with a matching duster cardigan held together by a skinny black belt on top. The star kept her accessories semi-simple, with gold hoops and thin necklaces, but she stepped things up with her completely see-through open-toe heeled black booties from Versace.
Iggy Azalea at ‘Watch What Happens Live’ TV show in New York.
Nordstrom sells...more a similar, more-affordable alternative to the designer booties. The shoes by Leith are available online for only $89.95, but instead of a stiletto, they feature a stylish clear block heel. These booties go well beyond your standard neutral footwear and are the perfect way to switch things up in your closet come spring.
With their open-toe design, the heels can easily transition in between cold and warm weather seasons, which basically means you can get your money’s worth by wearing them for multiple seasons. And the sheer material on the boot puts a sexy twist on the basic black ankle boot.
Buy:
Leith Saber Sandal
$89.95
buy it
This was a spot-on outing by Azalea, but hopefully she has performances scheduled down the line. It would be incredible to see the star show off some of her style inspiration on-stage.
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April showers bring May flowers, so get ready with a pair of cute rain boots. Since the temperatures are also warming up, forget trekking around in those heavy knee-high versions. Instead, there are lots of fun, on-trend colorful styles in Chelsea to mid-calf heights that keep feet fashionably dry.
Now, don’t think just one pair of rain boots will suffice. With so many affordable looks in the market, it’s easy to build a mini wardrobe of looks. And, these styles work well into the fall by simply adding a pair of cozy socks.
There’s a sizing tip when it comes to layering in hose. You might want...more to consider sizing up just to make sure there’s ample room. If going sockless, you can add pair of insoles to take up some of the volume while also adding some extra cushioning.
Here, FN offers its rain boot picks for spring from floral designs to novelty dots.
1. Bogs Amanda Slip-On
This Chelsea style keeps feet dry and comfortable with a Max-Wick lining and cushioned footbeds.
Buy:
Bogs Amanda Slip-On Boot
$80
buy it
2. Burberry Friton Boot
A fringed ankle boot with double-buckle trim sports Burberry’s signature plaid fabric.
Buy:
Burberry Fritton
$224.20
buy it
3. Joules Mid Molly Welly
Spend a fun day puddle jumping in a mid-cut boot with whimsical polka dot trim.
Buy:
Joules Mid Molly Welly
$72.99
buy it
4. Hunter Original Floral Stripe Chelsea Boot
Welcome the rainy days of April with a floral print Chelsea boot that begs for a pair of leggings.
Buy:
Hunter Chelsea Boot
$135
buy it
5. Nomad Droplet III Rain Boot
This watercolor floral design was created by artist M. Nicole van Dam exclusively for Nomad.
Buy:
Nomad Droplet III Rain Boot
$53.99
buy it
6. Chooka Fashion Rain Bootie
This ankle bootie adds just the right amount of lift with a comfortable wedge bottom.
Buy:
Chooka Fashion Rain Bootie
Varies
buy it
7. Sperry Saltwater Print Boot
A nautical duck-inspired boot features bold striping on the shaft.
Buy:
Sperry Saltwater Print Boot
$107.99
buy it...

With spring finally here, it’s time to update your sneaker collections with looks for every occasion. Here are six suggestions for kicks every man should have in rotation, including lifestyle and performance-based looks, as the weather warms up and the sun stays bright a bit longer.
Adidas Originals Stan Smith
The Stan Smith is the quintessential shoe for the spring. It’s clean, it’s bright, it’s classy, and it’s universally loved. Get yourself a pair for the season.
Buy:
Adidas Originals Stan Smith
$75
buy it
Vans Mix Checker ...moreSlip-On
This twist on the iconic checkerboard look from the renowned skate brand is perfect for the spring and a great choice for whenever you’re out somewhere that has a casual vibe.
Buy:
Vans Checkerboard Slip-On
$50
buy it
Reebok Question Mid
Brighten up your color palettes this spring with a classic look in a new colorway. Reebok dressed its iconic Question Mid sneaker, the shoe of basketball hall of famer Allen Iverson, in white and mint hues.
Buy:
Reebok Question Mid
$150
buy it
New Balance 890v6
With warmer weather approaching, it’s time to ditch the treadmill and embrace running on the road again. For the performance running opening in your closet, New Balance has a great option with its 890v6 neutral shoe.
Buy:
New Balance 890v6
$119.99
buy it
Sperry Haven Lace-Up
Take a moment to escape the athletic brands you’re used to and give your collection a touch of class with this look from Sperry, a sneaker that’s attractive no matter what setting you’re in.
Buy:
Sperry Haven Lace-Up
$75
buy it
Nike PG 2
Add some sportier styles to your rotation for spring ’18. The PG2 from Nike, the second signature sneaker of NBA star Paul George, is a great pick for a modern basketball silhouette that has more than on-court appeal. (Its digestible price point doesn’t hurt, either.)
Buy:
Nike PG 2
$110
buy it...

Countless innovative fashion ideas have been born in Asia and made their way westward. The Mar. 19 kickoff of Tokyo Fashion Week’s fall ’18 shows proved the region’s advanced aesthetic again. While street style attendees were keen on looks that have notably been trending worldwide (the ’90s invasion and dad sneakers, for starters), fashion insiders in Tokyo took things up a notch.
Here are the three biggest shoe trends that dominated the streets on day one and are bound to run the streets until the week’s Mar. 26 close.
’90s Grunge
Dr. Martens boots.
One of the defining shoe ...morebrands of the ’90s decade was without a doubt Dr. Martens. As grungy became chic, the most dependable shoes for getting that perfect rough-around-the-edges look were these lug-soled lace-ups. As the ’90s reclaim the spotlight in today’s fashion industry, Dr. Martens is right back where it belongs to enjoy the ride.
Chunky Platforms
Glitter platform shoes by YRU.
With dad sneakers hitting the grounds at every fashion week around the globe this season, the fashion-forward hub of Tokyo was in alignment. Street style attendees did not stop at a mere Louis Vuitton arch-light or Balenciaga Triple S, however. Instead, styles such as YRU’s glitter platforms and sky-high leather Balenciaga boots took the chunky shoe trend to new heights.
Avant-Garde Touches
Shoes by Kokon To Zai.
In Milan, avant-garde heels took over. The likes of feather-trimmed stilettos and glass-painted heels from Prada owned the cobble-stoned streets. Tokyo’s answer to the artistic shoe concept? Kokon To Zai’s half-sneaker, half-sculpture hybrid, a museum-worthy piece all its own.
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Over the years, department stores have undergone major changes — and these changes extend beyond the merchandise carried. In the past, department stores served not only as placing to shop, but as meeting points, with ornate architecture and various merchandise.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, department stores offered upper- and middle-class women new freedom; they could shop without the watchful eye of their husbands or other men. As women advanced in the workplace, this kind of freedom became ubiquitous outside of the department store setting — but, perhaps as a relic of department sto...morere glory days — women continue to make most consumer decisions.
Now, in the face of a changing retail environment, department store closings have become a norm. Many once-glamorous department stores have closed shop, and online shopping’s popularity only continues to grow.
Here, we take a look at some of the most architecturally magnificent, beautifully furnished department stores that sprung up in cities around the world.
The story begins in Paris with Le Bon Marche, which disputably became the first-ever modern department store after revamping in 1852. In 1869, Le Bon Marche moved doors, opening at 24 rue de Sèvres on the Left Bank. The building’s architecture was innovative for its time, featuring intricate ironwork. The department store — now owned by LVMH — remains open for Parisian shoppers today.
Le Bon Marche’s Parisian storefront features intricate ironwork, designed in the 1800s.
In the United States, Macy’s, originally founded in the 1850s as a dry goods store, became one of the world’s largest retailers after rebranding as a department store with the opening of its New York Herald Square location. Known today as the site of the Thanksgiving Day parade, the store became the world’s largest, featuring more than 1 million square feet of retail space. The Herald Square Macy’s was also the first store with escalators in the U.S., and the four original escalators are still in store today.
The Macy’s Herald Square store in 1908.
In the Midwest, Chicago’s Marshall Field’s claimed its spot as top department store. The first of the brand’s famous Great Clocks — considered Chicago landmarks — was installed at the corner of State and Washington Streets in 1897, featuring cast bronze and ornamental ironwork. A new State Street building, opened in 1907, made Marshall Field’s the largest department store in the world, complete with glamorous features like a Tiffany Favrille glass ceiling. Marshall Field’s stores became Macy’s in 2006, officially ending the store’s reign over Chicago.
The Great Clock outside of the Marshall Field’s on Washington and State Streets.
Despite shuttering its doors, Marshall Field’s retains an important role in department stores’ history. And it was an employee of the American company, Harry Gordon Selfridge, who started one of the United Kingdom’s largest department stores, Selfridges, in 1908. Covering six acres in its original location, Selfridges made an instant impression, and it became known for having the largest glass windows in the world, in which inviting shop displays were presented for customers.
A 1909 photo shows the original Selfridge’s location.
Department stores constructed more recently — and often situated in shopping or strip malls — lack the grand architecture of days yonder. And as big-box retailers continue to announce store closings and bankruptcies, the glamour of department stores feel increasingly like a relic of a past era....

When Reebok began promoting its latest Nano sneaker, the CrossFit Nano 8, the brand visited media in New York City and put the model on two of the sport’s biggest stars: Katrín Davíðsdóttir and Brent Fikowski. And on the visit, the duo dished on a number of topics Footwear News threw at them, including tips for first-time CrossFitters.
Aside from applauding Reebok’s work creating the CrossFit Nano 8, Davíðsdóttir (a two-time CrossFit Games champion) and Fikowski (a second-place Games finisher in 2017) also discussed what not to wear in the gym, why wearing the proper footwear is im...moreportant and why a healthy diet is important specifically for CrossFitters.
The Reebok CrossFit Nano 8 is available now and retails for $130. The sneakers can be picked up via reebok.com in both men’s and women’s sizing.
Reebok CrossFit Nano 8
The new CrossFit-specific training sneaker boasts the brand’s latest technological innovation, Flexweave, a material the brand said delivers a “balance of durability, breathability and flexibility.” Aside from Flexweave, the shoe features a minimal heel-to-toe drop for stability, a wide toe box and a new collar construction for comfort.
The Reebok CrossFit Nano 8 made its debut in retail on Jan. 11 via store.crossfit.com, and received a broader release on reebok.com on Jan. 18. The 2018 CrossFit Games are scheduled for Aug. 1-5 and will take place in Madison, Wisc.
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With another frenetic fashion month in the books, some major new issues have emerged — and they are impacting every area of the business. Here are six burning stories that will dramatically reshape the industry in the months ahead.
1. Luxury E-Commerce Is Rapidly Evolving
Susanne and Christoph Botschen struck e-commerce gold once with MyTheresa.com — and now they are out to do it again with Martha Louisa, which went live last Thursday.At Paris Fashion Week early this month, the duo drummed up attention for the site with their boudoir inspired tea party at the opulent Hotel de Crillon. “Shoes a...morere actually our favorite part of the industry,” Susanne Botschen told FN, “but it’s a jungle of merchandise out there, so we felt it’s time for curated specialists.”
The site debuted with more than 80 labels, including Saint Laurent, Gucci and Aquazzura, as well as more emerging names such as Alchimia Di Ballin, No. 21, Vibi Venezia and Chloe Gosselin.“Susanne and Christoph have a family approach to the business, which I love,” Gosselin said. “They emphasize the designer behind each brand and their personal story. They created a special section for new talents, which will give us a real opportunity to compete with leading brands. I have no doubt the site will be a huge success.”
On a larger scale, some major players have announced innovative new partnerships during the last few weeks.
The new site, which launched last Thursday, is shaking up e-commerce.
Harvey Nichols and Farfetch are joining as part of the department store’s aim to reach and serve a wider international audience and the website’s goal to become a global platform for luxury. José Neves, founder and CEO of Farfetch, said the deal marks the debut of a department store strategy for his company, which is already talking to other retailers. The conversations, he said, are going on in multiple countries and geographies, but he’s not disclosing any concrete plans now.
“Department stores are amazing curators of fashion, and our mission is to be the platform for the best creators and curators. It was always part of our evolution to selectively bring department stores on board,” he said. “We started with boutiques, which remain a core part of our DNA, and in 2015, we expanded to brands selling directly on the platform. We now have over 300. For us, it’s all about being the platform for the luxury industry at a global level.”
The company also recently signed a joint-venture agreement with Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based Chalhoub Group.
It also teamed up with Burberry to expand the British brand’s e-commerce. In addition, Farfetch, which is reportedly prepping for an IPO, has partnered with Chanel on an augmented-reality initiative.
2 The Women’s Sneaker Revolution Is Finally Here
During the height of Fashion Month in Europe, some powerful players made huge women’s sneaker statements. The messages from both Nike and Selfridges were clear: There is great opportunity in women’s, an area that is growing rapidly and has been underserved.
This month, the Swoosh will debut Nike Unlaced, a digital-first retail concept that will bring female consumers a dramatically expanded offering: unisex sizes of iconic styles, women’s-specific performance looks, a unique shopping environment and custom services.“It’s the idea that not one size fits all in the women’s market,” Julie Igarashi, VP and creative director of Nike Women, told FN during a tour of the captivating Unlaced space in Paris. “Some consumers want a men’s shoe, but they want it in their size. In other cases, she wants it for her and by her. ...

Another day, another dollar. That phrase can be taken quite literally when it comes to superhero film “Black Panther.” For the fifth straight week, the Marvel movie topped the domestic box office. (To put that in perspective, the last film to hit the milestone was “Avatar” in 2009, and that film went on to gross over $2.7 billion worldwide.)
Since its debut, “Black Panther” continues to cruise up the box office charts — now standing at No. 14 in all-time sales. The movie, though, isn’t just a moneymaker. It has become a cultural breakthrough as the first time a major studio has greenlit a blac...morek superhero movie with an African-American director (Ryan Coogler) and a primarily black cast (Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and Angela Bassett.)
“‘Black Panther’ is a movie that doubles as a movement, or at least a moment that feels groundbreaking in the same way that last year’s runaway hit ‘Wonder Woman’ inspired millions of women,” FN’s sister publication Variety wrote in its ‘Black Panther’ cover story.
And everyone is looking to get on board — specifically the fashion and footwear industry. Brands are using the movement of “Black Panther” to tap new consumers and enter a new narrative.
“These issues are important. Brands have a responsibility to more than just their balance sheet. Consumers want the truth, they want authenticity, [and] we want to share their beliefs and passions. We want to be a part of the global conversation around important issues,” Jason Beckley, Clarks’ Chief Brand Officer, explained to FN on the importance of such collaborations.
The heritage British-based brand teamed up with Marvel to release a special Black Panther-inspired capsule collection, debuting a spinoff of its iconic Clarks Originals’ Trigenic Evo style, which paid homage to the King of Wakanda.
Clarks Originals’ limited-edition Trigenic Evo ‘Black Panther” style.
The men’s shoes sold out twice within a week in the Americas, according to the company.
Beckley said, “There is definitely demand for these types of partnerships but in a way that is relatable for our current consumers and attractive to new consumers.”
Clarks also released a special-edition women’s shoe for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” last year to celebrate female empowerment, which was also successful.
“Both collaborations were a natural fit for Clarks as they tapped into culturally relevant moments in an authentic way for the brand,” he added. “By engaging in the conversation surrounding ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Black Panther,’ we are reaching new audiences who don’t expect that from a nearly 200-year-old-brand.”
More shoe brands have also caught on to the power of “Black Panther,” including Puma who teamed up with retailer Bait for a limited run of sneakers inspired by the film, as did New Balance and retailer Jimmy Jazz.
Another look at the “Black Panther” Bait x Marvel x Puma Mostro Mid (L) and Tsugi Blaze of Glory.
Marvel Studios also celebrated the movie’s release during New York Fashion Week. Designers such as Brother Vellies, Cushnie et Ochs, Chromat, Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo, LaQuan Smith, Sophie Theallet, Tome and Ikiré Jones were tapped to create one-of-a-kind pieces that interpreted different characters and themes from the film. Looks were then auctioned off to benefit the Save the Children humanitarian organization.
For Brother Vellies designer Aurora James, teaming with Marvel for “Black Panther” collaboration opened doors into a deeper conversation, which were used as inspiration for her capsule. She wrote...

After taking quite the break from social media during her pregnancy, Kylie Jenner continues to prove she’s back and better than ever. On Saturday, the star and her bestie, Jordyn Woods, took to Instagram to share a series of photos from their latest photoshoot in the snow. Spring may be here, but it looks like these two don’t want to let winter go.
Jenner layered a gray hoodie over an orange T-shirt, which she wore with light-wash jeans and black Acne Studios sneakers. Woods also wore similar matching sneaks.
Though Jenner’s high-quality Acne sneakers are on-trend, with their...more thick rubber sole and $400 price tag, they might not be the best option for a snow day. Perhaps it would’ve been better to go twinning in snow boots that would have protected their feet more.
Either way, at least Jenner’s kicks have a rubber platform design that could easily keep the icy snow away. There’s also a back strap to further ensure the shoe fits properly and stays on your feet. Spending hundreds of dollars on sneakers may be steep, but it’s worth it for a shoe that lasts. Scroll down for a closer look at the Acne Studios kicks, which are available now online through Ekseption.
Buy:
Acne Studios Manhattan Sneakers
$399.66
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Our first lady has mastered the art of walking in stilettos — no heel height is too daunting for her feet. In fact, she has strolled across the White House lawn and hurricane disaster zones in pin-thin styles nearly 5 inches high.
But today Melania Trump had a small slip-up while stomping out of the Oval Office to cross the lawn alongside President Donald Trump on their way to New Hampshire.
Melania Trump
It was a wobble and misstep that thrusted her toward the ground, but her husband came to her rescue and caught his wife before she could fall. Fashion disaster averted.
Though Melania is used...more to Christian Louboutin So Kate stilettos and Manolo Blahnik BB pumps, she embraced a different shoe brand to give opening remarks for the president’s plan to fight opioid drug addiction.
Melania Trump wears Gianvito Rossi boots.
The former model tripped in Gianvito Rossi’s slouchy-fit tan leather knee boots, which had a thick leather-covered 4-inch heel, a tapered toe. They retail for $1,625 on Barneys.com.
She styled her chic boots with a belted blue Chloe coat featuring a funnel neckline.
Gianvito Rossi
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A new footwear franchise from Asics is here. Combining street style aesthetic and high-performance technology, the new line of Asics, called Hypergel, offers day-to-night comfortability and appeal.
With the launch, Asics will debut the Hypergel-Kenzen, its first shoe from the franchise, exclusively with Foot Locker, Inc. Available tomorrow, the shoes retail for $130 and are available for both men and women. On April 1, the Hypergel-Kenzen will be also be available in Asics retail locations.
To celebrate the release, the athletic brand and Footlocker also teamed up with Asics brand partner Stev...moree Aoki for a special campaign, which will roll out in stores nationwide at Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Footaction, Champs Sports, SIX:02 and Eastbay. Aoki will also be seen in the shoes in a digital content series titled “Steve in 24,” showcasing the DJ’s nonstop lifestyle throughout a 24-hour period.
Steve Aoki in Asics’ new Hypergel campaign.
The Hypergel family, which used Aoki as its muse, represents versatility, movement and gives a new look to Asics with its streetwear allure. The new design also incorporates its Gel technology with slip-on and sock-sneaker construction featuring a cushion effect that reduces impact and preserves energy. According the company, the Hypergel styles will provide about 30 percent more bounce than standard EVA shoes.
“Hypergel is a new look for Asics and we are proud to introduce a model that balances a unique aesthetic design with the performance technology for our consumers that are constantly on the move,” Asics Americas president and CEO Gene McCarthy said in statement.
Asics Hypergel-Kenzen for women.
Over the course of 2018, Asics will launch two additional Hypergel iterations.
Earlier this year, FN sat down with Aoki to discuss why teaming up with Asics made so much sense. He said, “We come from the same place. It means a lot for me as a Japanese American to work with a Japanese brand. That really sunk into my roots.”
For more from Aoki, check out the exclusive photos from FN’s covershoot in the gallery below.
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April showers bring May flowers, so get ready with a pair of cute rain boots. Since the temperatures are also warming up, forget trekking around in those heavy knee-high versions. Instead, there are lots of fun, colorful styles in Chelsea to mid-calf heights that keep feet fashionably dry.
Now, don’t think just one pair of rain boots will suffice. With so many affordable looks in the market, it’s easy to build a mini wardrobe of looks. And, these styles work well into the fall by simply adding a pair of cozy socks.
There’s a sizing tip when it comes to layering in hose. You might want to consi...moreder sizing up just to make sure there’s ample room. If going sockless, you can add pair of insoles to take up some of the volume while also adding some extra cushioning.
Here, FN offers its rain boot picks for spring from floral designs to novelty dots.
1. Bogs Amanda Slip-On
This Chelsea style keeps feet dry and comfortable with a Max-Wick lining and cushioned footbeds.
Buy:
Bogs Amanda Slip-On Boot
$80
buy it
2. Burberry Friton Boot
A fringed ankle boot with double-buckle trim sports Burberry’s signature plaid fabric.
Buy:
Burberry Fritton
$224.20
buy it
3. Joules Mid Molly Welly
Spend a fun day puddle jumping in a mid-cut boot with whimsical polka dot trim.
4. Hunter Original Floral Stripe Chelsea Boot
Welcome the rainy days of April with a floral print Chelsea boot that begs for a pair of leggings.
5. Nomad Droplet III Rain Boot
This watercolor floral design was created by artist M. Nicole van Dam exclusively for Nomad.
6. Chooka Fashion Rain Bootie
This ankle bootie adds just the right amount of lift with a comfortable wedge bottom.
7. Sperry Saltwater Print Boot
A nautical duck-inspired boot features bold striping on the shaft.